Man sentenced to probation in plea to possession of burglary tools

URBANA — A Champaign man who admitted having burglary tools near a Champaign fraternity house was sentenced Tuesday to 30 months of probation.

Jerry Hayes, 52, whose last known address was in the 2000 block of Cynthia Drive, pleaded guilty to possession of burglary tools, admitting that on Dec. 28, he had screwdrivers, pliers, and wire cutters intended for breaking in to places.

Police responded to an alarm at the Delta Chi fraternity at 1111 S. First St., C, and found Hayes with the tools.

Assistant State's Attorney Scott Larson said Hayes also had rubber gloves and a flashlight among his items.

Larson dismissed a more serious charge of residential burglary against Hayes in return for his plea.

Hayes was also sentenced to 106 days in jail but given credit for time served, and 30 hours of public service.